Lowry & Baker

Lowry & Baker got off to an OK start with cheery service from the 2 girls. I loved the quaint bohemian decor. First problem I noticed was that you'd always leave the place stinking of the fried food - so bad was the ventilation. So you couldn't go there if you'd just washed your hair!

They used to do a great salt beef sandwich but it went off the menu.The 6th or 7th time I went in, it took me 25 minutes before I realised my breakfast hadn't arrived since ordering it. Even with 3 staff they couldn't cope with the orders on a Saturday brunch time.

The final straw came a couple of days ago when I ordered the potato pancake with bacon and eggs. After the first bite into it I realised it was doughy and the potato flour was thoroughly uncooked! It sank like wet concrete in my stomach so I just ate the bacon and eggs on top. I was with my friend so we'd both ordered the same disappointing meal at £6.50 a pop. We shared 3 lemonades to help wash down the awful taste (eggs were on the icky runny side too). We were disappointed that we paid £19.50 for this SHODDY breakfast. Rip-off Britain precisely. The worst part was the miserable long-faced service of one of the girls and the place was less than half full so there was no rush-hour stress. I've been a regular always saying Hello on entering so it's extra disappointing to be treated like unwanted strangers.

Always one to champion local and independent businesses especially aroudn Portobello - I will unfortunately never be returning again. Lord knows I've given them enough chances.